The United Nations General Assembly convened a special session at its headquarters in New York to honor the late Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for his pivotal role in Qatar’s development and his contributions to diplomacy, mediation, and humanitarian efforts. The session, chaired by Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st General Assembly, was attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, along with senior UN officials, ambassadors, and representatives from regional and international organizations.

In his opening remarks, Rahman extended condolences to Qatar’s leadership and people, recognizing Sheikh Hamad’s 18-year rule from 1995 to 2013, a period marked by substantial economic, social, and cultural transformation. He emphasized the late Father Amir’s focus on education, science, knowledge, and human development, as well as his efforts to enhance women’s political participation, including widening voting rights and eligibility to run for office. Rahman described the leader’s legacy as one grounded in development, human dignity, mediation, and dialogue.

Secretary-General Guterres highlighted the foundational role Sheikh Hamad’s leadership played in Qatar’s sustained prosperity and its emergence as a significant global actor in areas such as diplomacy, mediation, education, energy, and media. He underscored that Qatar’s influence extended beyond economic progress to include contributions to peace and dialogue, commending the nation’s role as a mediator and its expanding humanitarian outreach. Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s appreciation for its partnership with Qatar across humanitarian initiatives, conflict resolution, and multilateral cooperation.

Sheikha Alya represented Qatar during the session, noting the broad international participation as evidence of the deep respect for the Father Amir worldwide. She characterized Sheikh Hamad as the architect of Qatar’s modern renaissance, credited with laying the foundations of a modern state built on strong institutions and a forward-looking, people-centered approach. Sheikha Alya highlighted his substantial investments in human capital, particularly education and scientific research, as well as his promotion of women’s rights and empowerment of youth.

She further emphasized Sheikh Hamad’s commitment to mediation and peaceful dispute resolution, integral components of Qatar’s foreign policy as enshrined in its Permanent Constitution. She cited key diplomatic achievements including the Doha Agreement between Lebanese parties, the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, mediation efforts between Djibouti and Eritrea, and support for Palestinian reconciliation. The envoy affirmed that the Father Amir’s approach to peace and nation-building continues to guide Qatar’s current leadership under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Statements from regional representatives echoed these sentiments. Bahrain’s Permanent Representative Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, speaking for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), praised Sheikh Hamad’s dedication to education, development, international cooperation, peace, and regional stability. Oman’s Permanent Representative Omar Said Al Kathiri, addressing the Arab Group, described Sheikh Hamad as a symbol of reform and wisdom whose legacy extends beyond Qatar to the Arab and Islamic worlds and the international community.

Türkiye’s Permanent Representative Ahmet Yildiz, on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, stressed Sheikh Hamad’s role in Qatar’s modernization across education, healthcare, infrastructure, culture, media, science, and economic sectors. He also recalled Qatar’s hosting of the Ninth Islamic Summit Conference in 2000 and Sheikh Hamad’s support for Palestinian rights, particularly concerning Jerusalem and Gaza.

Finally, Uganda, speaking for the Non-Aligned Movement, acknowledged Sheikh Hamad’s lasting impact through efforts to build a modern state, strengthen institutions, and promote education, healthcare, culture, and broader socio-economic development. The session underscored the enduring influence of Sheikh Hamad’s leadership on Qatar’s domestic progress and its role on the global diplomatic stage.